Quito is one of South America’s most amazing cities. Sitting high in the Andes Mountains at 9,350 feet above sea level, it’s the second-highest capital city in the world. With its colorful colonial buildings, incredible food, and friendly people, Quito offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re interested in history, food, or adventure, this city has something for everyone.

Let me walk you through the ten best things to do in Quito, plus where to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner along the way.

1. Explore the Historic Old Town (Centro Histórico)

The Old Town of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most popular thing to do in the city. This is one of the best-preserved colonial centers in all of Latin America. When you walk through these cobblestone streets, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Start your morning at Plaza Grande, the main square in the heart of Old Town. You’ll see the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and beautiful colonial buildings all around you. The plaza is always buzzing with life, from local vendors to street performers.

Take your time wandering the narrow streets. You’ll find colorful buildings, hidden courtyards, and local artisan shops around every corner. The architecture here dates back to the 1500s, making it one of the oldest cities in South America.

Best for breakfast nearby: Stop at Café Plaza Grande for fresh pastries and strong Ecuadorian coffee. Their empanadas are perfect for fueling up before a day of exploring.

2. Visit La Basílica del Voto Nacional

This massive Gothic church is one of Quito’s most recognizable landmarks. What makes La Basílica special is that you can actually climb to the top for incredible views of the entire city.

The climb isn’t easy—you’ll go up narrow stairs, walk across the roof, and even climb ladders. But the view from the top is absolutely worth it. On a clear day, you can see the surrounding mountains and volcanoes.

Look closely at the gargoyles on the outside of the church. Instead of the usual demons and monsters, these gargoyles are shaped like native Ecuadorian animals like iguanas, tortoises, and armadillos. It’s a unique twist that makes this church different from any other.

The church was started in 1892 but technically isn’t finished yet. Local legend says that when the Basílica is completed, the end of the world will come, so construction continues very slowly.

3. Ride the TelefériQo Cable Car

For the best views in all of Quito, take a ride on the TelefériQo. This cable car takes you up the side of Pichincha Volcano to an altitude of 13,000 feet. The ride itself takes about 18 minutes and gives you amazing views of the city below.

At the top, you’ll find hiking trails, a small café, and viewing platforms. The air is thin up here, so take it easy and drink plenty of water. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike even higher up the volcano, but make sure you’re properly prepared for the altitude.

Go early in the morning for the clearest views. Clouds often roll in during the afternoon, blocking the scenery.

Best for lunch nearby: After coming down, head to Hasta La Vuelta Señor for traditional Ecuadorian food. Their hornado (roasted pork) is amazing.

4. Walk Through Parque El Ejido

This large park is where locals come to relax on weekends. On Saturdays and Sundays, the park fills with artists selling paintings, sculptures, and handmade crafts. It’s a great place to buy authentic Ecuadorian art at reasonable prices.

The park connects the Old Town with the modern New Town area. You’ll see families picnicking, kids playing soccer, and street performers entertaining crowds. There are also several small food vendors selling traditional snacks.

It’s a perfect spot to take a break, people-watch, and get a feel for everyday life in Quito.

5. Discover La Compañía de Jesús Church

If you only visit one church in Quito, make it La Compañía. This Jesuit church is considered one of the most beautiful churches in South America, and possibly the world.

The inside is covered in gold leaf—tons of it. The golden altar, columns, and decorations took 160 years to complete. When sunlight streams through the windows, the entire interior seems to glow. It’s absolutely breathtaking.

The church combines different architectural styles, including baroque and moorish influences. Every inch of the walls and ceiling is decorated with intricate carvings and paintings.

There’s a small entrance fee, but it’s worth every penny. Photography inside is usually not allowed, so just take your time and soak in the beauty.

6. Visit El Panecillo and the Virgin of Quito

El Panecillo is a hill in the middle of the city topped with a massive aluminum statue of the Virgin Mary. The statue is called the Virgin of Quito, and she has wings, which makes her different from most Virgin Mary statues around the world.

You can climb up inside the statue for views of the city from the observation deck. The neighborhood around El Panecillo isn’t the safest, so it’s best to take a taxi directly to the top rather than walking.

From this viewpoint, you get a 360-degree view of Quito. You can see how the city spreads through the valley, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes.

Best for dinner nearby: After watching the sunset from El Panecillo, head to Theatrum in Old Town for an upscale dinner. The restaurant is in a restored theater and serves creative Ecuadorian cuisine.

7. Explore the Middle of the World at Mitad del Mundo

Just outside Quito is a monument marking the equator line where you can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one foot in the Southern Hemisphere. This is one of Ecuador’s most famous tourist attractions (the country is even named after the equator).

There’s a tall monument with a museum inside that explains the French expedition that measured the equator in this location. You can get your passport stamped with a special “Middle of the World” stamp.

Right next door is the Intiñan Museum, which shows traditional indigenous culture and has fun experiments you can do on the equator line. You can try balancing an egg on a nail, watch water drain in different directions, and test if you weigh less on the equator.

Scientists now know the actual equator is about 240 meters north of the monument, but it’s still a fun experience and makes for great photos.

8. Stroll Through La Ronda Street

La Ronda is the most charming street in Quito’s Old Town. This narrow colonial street has been beautifully restored and is lined with colorful buildings, small galleries, workshops, and cafés.

During the day, you can watch artisans making traditional crafts like guitars, candles, and chocolates. Many of the shops offer demonstrations, so you can see how things are made.

At night, La Ronda comes alive with music. Small bars and restaurants spill out onto the street, and musicians play traditional Ecuadorian music. It’s the perfect place to try canelazo, a warm alcoholic drink made with cinnamon and aguardiente (sugarcane liquor).

The street is pedestrian-only, making it perfect for a leisurely evening stroll.

Best for lunch: Stop at Tianguez for lunch on La Ronda. They serve traditional Ecuadorian dishes in a cozy atmosphere, and part of the proceeds supports indigenous communities.

9. Visit the Museo del Banco Central (Central Bank Museum)

This museum gives you a complete picture of Ecuador’s history, from pre-Columbian times to the modern day. The collection includes ancient pottery, gold artifacts, religious art, and contemporary paintings.

The archaeological section is particularly impressive, with artifacts from cultures that existed thousands of years before the Incas. You’ll see intricate gold jewelry, ceremonial objects, and everyday items that show how people lived.

The museum is large, so plan to spend at least two hours here. It’s well-organized and has information in both Spanish and English. It’s also affordable, making it a great value for the amount you’ll learn.

10. Take a Day Trip to Cotopaxi Volcano

While not technically in Quito, Cotopaxi is close enough for a day trip and absolutely worth it. This is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, and on clear days you can see its perfect snow-capped cone from Quito.

You can visit Cotopaxi National Park and hike around the base of the volcano. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can hike up to the refuge at 15,700 feet. The landscape is stunning, with wild horses running across the paramo grasslands.

Many tour companies in Quito offer day trips to Cotopaxi. They’ll pick you up from your hotel, provide transportation, and include a guide who can tell you about the volcano’s history and ecology.

Best for dinner when you return: After a long day, try Zazu in the Mariscal neighborhood. They serve creative fusion cuisine with Ecuadorian ingredients in a trendy setting.

More Great Places to Eat in Quito

Breakfast spots:

• El Cafeto serves excellent breakfast with fresh juice and strong coffee
• Fried Bananas has creative breakfast options and great vegetarian choices
• Mercado Central offers authentic local breakfast if you want to eat where the locals do

Lunch spots:

• La Choza serves huge portions of traditional Ecuadorian food at fair prices
• Vista Hermosa offers spectacular views with your meal
• Octava de Corpus in La Floresta has excellent set lunch menus

Dinner spots:

• Urko Cocina Local focuses on indigenous ingredients and modern techniques
• Somos serves comfort food in a cozy atmosphere
• Casa Gangotena has elegant dining in a historic mansion

Tips for Visiting Quito

The altitude in Quito can affect you, even if you’re normally healthy. Take it easy for the first day or two. Drink lots of water, avoid alcohol, and don’t overexert yourself.

The weather in Quito can change quickly. Bring layers and a rain jacket. Mornings are usually clear and sunny, but clouds and rain often appear in the afternoon.

The historic center is generally safe during the day, but be careful at night. Stick to well-lit, busy areas, and don’t carry valuables. Take registered taxis or use Uber rather than walking alone at night.

Most restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, but have some cash for small purchases, taxis, and markets. ATMs are easy to find throughout the city.

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Quito offers an incredible mix of history, culture, food, and natural beauty. From walking through colonial streets to standing on top of the world at the equator, from eating traditional Ecuadorian dishes to climbing volcanoes, this city has experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

The people of Quito are warm and welcoming. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or recommendations. Even if your Spanish isn’t perfect, locals will appreciate your effort to communicate.

Whether you spend three days or three weeks in Quito, you’ll leave with memories that last a lifetime. The city’s unique combination of old and new, traditional and modern, makes it one of South America’s most special destinations.

Start planning your trip to Quito today. You won’t regret it.

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